By Joseph Momoh, Daily Scope Reporter
In a significant milestone, the United Nations International Children Emergency Fund (UNICEF) commemorated its 40th anniversary in Sierra Leone by launching a proactive five-year strategic plan dedicated to enhancing the lives of children nationwide. The unveiling of this ambitious plan took place during a celebratory event themed “For Every Child, A Promise Renewed.”
Since its inception in Sierra Leone in 1985, UNICEF has collaborated closely with the government and various stakeholders to address the pressing needs of vulnerable children. The agency’s initial involvement coincided with a growing number of child abuse cases, and it has since made substantial strides in delivering health services, constructing schools, and providing psychosocial support for affected children and their families. The anniversary served as a moment to reflect on these accomplishments while setting clear goals for the future.
UNICEF’s Deputy Representative in Sierra Leone, Liv Elin Indreiten, emphasized the essential role of collaboration in the agency’s operations. “It is an honor to reflect on UNICEF’s journey in Sierra Leone, characterized by partnership, resilience, and a collective commitment to the rights and well-being of every child,” she stated.
The 2025–2030 Country Programme underpins UNICEF’s strategic framework for Sierra Leone, focusing on five pivotal areas:
- Child Survival and Development: Ensuring every child survives and thrives.
- Education and Skills Acquisition: Enabling children to learn and acquire essential skills for the future.
- Child Protection: Safeguarding children from violence, exploitation, abuse, neglect, and harmful practices.
- Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH): Providing safe and equitable access to WASH services.
- Social Protection and Environment: Promoting sustainability and inclusive social protection for all children, especially adolescents, to escape poverty.
In health, UNICEF has significantly improved access to essential services, including vaccination initiatives and the expansion of primary healthcare. The agency has also activated its response mechanisms during emergencies, such as the Ebola outbreak, COVID-19, and the ongoing Mpox crisis. Indreiten underscored the importance of these efforts in ensuring that children and families receive critical care during times of crisis.
On the educational front, UNICEF has been instrumental in reconstructing schools post-civil conflict, broadening access to education, and ensuring that children in remote regions and those with disabilities are not overlooked. “Even in challenging times, we reopened schools and supported teachers to guarantee effective learning,” Indreiten noted.
Child protection continues to be a paramount concern. A 2017 study revealed that an alarming 87% of children in Sierra Leone had encountered some form of violence. Although UNICEF’s Representative, Rudolf Schwenk, indicated that updated statistics would be available through the ongoing Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey, he reaffirmed the agency’s ongoing commitment to child protection. “Our endeavors include supporting the demobilization and reintegration of conflict-affected children, strengthening protection systems, and providing psychosocial support to those who have suffered violence or loss,” Indreiten stated.
Legal advancements, such as the updated Child Rights Act of 2025—which revises the original 2007 legislation—mark significant progress in safeguarding children’s rights in Sierra Leone.
Despite these achievements, challenges persist. Schwenk acknowledged that vulnerable children in remote communities still face substantial barriers. “While we have made significant progress, there remains a critical need to ensure that all children have access to the services and opportunities they deserve,” he warned.
Looking forward, Indreiten reaffirmed UNICEF’s dedication to nurturing its longstanding partnerships with the Sierra Leonean government and development allies. “We are committed to advancing innovation, strengthening national systems, and creating sustainable opportunities for every child,” she concluded.
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